Study Shows Statins Do Help Women

You may have heard that cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, may not be as effective for women as men in lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke. But a new study says that isn't the case.

Researchers say statins are just as beneficial for women as they are for men. Results were compiled from 18 different studies involving more than 141,000 people.

Researchers wanted to compare the effectiveness statins had in reducing cardiovascular events and death among men and women.

Results show the benefit of statins was statistically significant in both genders.

"A lot of people forget that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women so it dwarfs all other causes and women tend to be under treated," Cleveland Clinic Dr. Steve Nissen said.

Doctors say the study sends an important message to women. If you have high cholesterol, along with other risk factors like smoking or diabetes, you are going to benefit from a cholesterol-lowering drug.